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- IAB started in a rented building with 4 inmates.
- Integrated Education program (Hostel for college going students) started
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- Rs. 36,000 Budget
- for ADIP scheme(Assistive devices for Visually Challenged) started
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- Distribution of scholarship to 65 children of blind parents
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- IAB school was established in Sundarajanpatti with own building
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- All programs shifted to Sundarajanpatti
- Started Telephone Operator course
- Started Stenography course
(Typewriting & Braille Short Hand)
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- Upgraded to IAB High School with a Strength of 62 students
- Tailoring course was started
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- Accommodated 130 inmates to expand Integrated Education
- Upgraded to IAB Hr.Sec.School with a Strength of 101 students
- Recording Library was started for students in IAB
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- X & XII State level toppers was recognised with Awards
- IAB Library Services was started
- Free rice scheme was extended to 200 families every month
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- Braille Press to print books for children in IAB
- Computer Course for Blind
- National Award for the Welfare of persons with disabilities; by Government of India
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- Cavincare Ability Award for Eminence ; by Ability Foundation
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- Braille Press & Recording Library was extended as a state wide project
- Computer lab expanded with 10 systems and advanced technological equipments
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- Best Institution for the welfare of the persons with disabilities; by Government of Tamilnadu
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- National Award for best Institution ; by Government of India
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- State Wide Summer coaching camps for X & XII Students
- Sale of products for Visually Handicapped
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- Silver Jubilee- IAB enters the 25th year
- Telephone operator course was re-established with call centre training and placement programmes
- Help the Blind Foundation, Hong Kong, comes forward to support the educational expenses of the visually challenged
- Erection of the ultra modern printing press of Braillo Norway 200 with the assistance of the Rotary Foundation
- Tie-up with Hi-Tech Arai Private Limited in working with the metallic oil seal for two wheelers and four wheelers
- IBN7 Super Idol Award awarded by actor Shri. Aamir Khan
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- Student of IAB achieved State second in Grade 12 Board Examination
- Construction of modern building for IAB Hr.Sec. School supported by Help the Blind Foundation, Hongkong.
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- IAB Hr Sec School shifted to new building comprising of 18000 square feet
- Hostel Block for girls shifted to new premises
- Computer Lab expanded to 35 students
- Music Lab expanded with new equipments
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- National Award for the Best Braille Press from the Government of India;by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Sadhana Finishing School established with the help of United Way of Chennai to make the visually challenged employable and self-reliant with 180 students
- Inauguration of Free Legal Aid Services for persons with visual challenges - First of its kind in Tamil Nadu
- All India Dance Competition for the Blind with Amway Opportunity Foundation
- Demise of our founder Mr.S.M.A.Jinnah on 19th December
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- IAB joins hands with Madurai Ladies Circle-8 for the first time in conducting In-sights car rally.
- Distribution of old age pension to visually challenged
- Distribution of groceries to visually challenged families
- Mr.K.Ramesh, former student of IAB is the only participant from Tamil Nadu for the Cricket World Cup for the Visually Challenged held in South Africa
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- Braille press renovation with Braillo 650 sponsored by SBI DFHI Ltd.
- Organised Career Guidance Workshop in various cities of Tamilnadu
- Employability skill training to 280 differently abled
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- Student of IAB scored State third in Grade 12 Board Examination
- Boys Hostel block with modern facilities has been renovated with the support of SBI DFHI Ltd
- Kitchen and Dining has been renovated with the support of Durgamma Foundation, Madurai
- Exclusive Braille books stall in Book Fair organized in Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai
We are
INDIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
Redefining Abilities, Rescripting Lives
What once began with a mere room and 4 students is now the temple of rehabilitation for the visually challenged
Nestled in the village of Sundarajanpatti in the outer fringes of Madurai in Tamilnadu, the Indian Association for the Blind (IAB) promises the visually challenged a life of confidence and opportunities. Started in 1985 by S.M.A. Jinnah, a visually challenged activist, IAB has been the pioneer in empowering the visually challenged towards self-reliance through various initiatives.
Having undergone numerous struggles to complete his education, Jinnah envisioned a changed future for thousands of visually challenged children by providing them education. This dream led to establishing IAB, the institute that has made remarkable progress, be it in the number of lives it has touched or numerous services that are being offered. Currently, in Tamil Nadu, out of the 30,000 x educated and vocationally trained visually challenged people, 20% are being educated, rehabilitated, and even employed by IAB.
OUR VISION
IAB affirms its commitment to empower visually challenged people become self-reliant by providing comprehensive rehabilitation, education and employment opportunities. IAB has a special focus on the socio economically disadvantaged visually challenged children and adults, particularly those from rural areas.
How we
STARTED
The Indian Association for Blind
The story of IAB stemmed out from the inspirational life of SMA Jinnah. Despite losing his vision at the age of 13, and much against the wishes of his family, Jinnah chased a dream called education. His passion for education saw him pass out of school and later college with a brilliant performance. The key to empowering people with visual disability that would help them travel the road to independence and self-reliance, Jinnah realized, was education.
He established the Indian Association for the Blind (IAB), on January 14, 1985, with the support of well wishers. IAB began with just eight students. In the early years, it served as a tuition/guidance centre that also provided hostel facilities for four visually challenged boys.
IAB is committed to promote comprehensive education, employment and rehabilitation opportunities for socioseconomically disempowered visually challenged children and adults, with a special focus on those living in rural areas.
Highlights of
IAB GROWTH
The Indian Association for Blind
20% + 
OUT OF 30,0000 PEOPLE
Educated and vocationally trained visually challenged people in Tamilnadu are being educated, rehabilitated and employed by IAB
30,000 +
PEOPLE WITH VISUAL DISABILITIES
Since inception IAB has educated and rehabilitated more than 30,000 people with visual disabilities
24 + Projects
PROJECTS OF IAB
Project to build equality of opportunities and experience for people with visual disabilities
